Are we more connected with blogs and websites and twitter and cell phones and facebook and texting? Or less? If you read a blog, then you know more than if you didn't, but less than face to face time. But you can't see everyone you know everyday. I don't see my cousin, won't for years, but I read her blog daily so I know her, about her life, her kids.
Maybe sometimes we know more about people from online connections than we need to.
But I'm still not getting a Facebook. And I still screen my calls.
In August, you won't see us every day unless you are in UKRAINE!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
And the waiting...
So now we have to wait. For contracts in the mail, for a call from the director of the school, for passports, for appts for shots, for summer, to sell all our stuff, to buy some new stuff we might need, to pack what is left, for summer, for August, for that first step onto the plane. Can't wait! But I guess we have to. Waiting...
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Better News!
Never assume! New email this afternoon! Our recruiter spoke with the director and convinced him to change our assignment to KYIV!! We're going to Ukraine!
Initial shock, then an instant of disappointment (we'd already started to "buy in" to Kazakhstan), then joy. Our initial goal was to see Europe (and Christine). Kyiv is the best way to accomplish that. We can always visit KZ. Everyone is excited! Ukraine, here we come!
Initial shock, then an instant of disappointment (we'd already started to "buy in" to Kazakhstan), then joy. Our initial goal was to see Europe (and Christine). Kyiv is the best way to accomplish that. We can always visit KZ. Everyone is excited! Ukraine, here we come!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Good News / Bad News
First the bad news. After an exceptionally positive family interview with an international school consortium, we made our ranked list of choices for our recruiter Mr. Philpot to submit to his director. In order, they were Kyiv, Ukraine, Shengou (sp?), China, and Almaty Kazakhstan. We have invested many hours of research and focused attention on Kiev. Our friend is there, she's convinced us it is a wonderful place, enjoys the teach abroad experience, etc. That' what we were determined to get. But when Mr. Philpot returned with an offer from the director, it was for ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN. Where the HELL is Kazakhstan? Oh crap! What happened to our #1 and #2 choices? Christine??
Then the good news. As we considered our options, we realized that saying no to the offer was saying no to teaching abroad, which is the heart of what we want to do. As difficult as it is to shift focus from Kyiv and (already I miss...) Christine, we remembered that we embarked on this endeavor to show our kids the world and look for some new experiences ourselves (not to mention the ridiculous money). We were resigned to choose China if that's what came through, but Kazakhstan?
Hell Yeah! We are going to Almaty, Kazakhstan! Turns out KZ is a beautiful country (check photos on travel sites). Almaty is right next to the Tien Shen Mountains. The school (building, website, staff, program) looks awesome. There is access to all of Central Asia and North and East Africa. The list goes on-like the house and car the school provides, the travel, bonuses, 100% insurance, housing expenses paid, and more.
So we are going to Kazakhstan! The letters of intent have been sent. We're in!
Then the good news. As we considered our options, we realized that saying no to the offer was saying no to teaching abroad, which is the heart of what we want to do. As difficult as it is to shift focus from Kyiv and (already I miss...) Christine, we remembered that we embarked on this endeavor to show our kids the world and look for some new experiences ourselves (not to mention the ridiculous money). We were resigned to choose China if that's what came through, but Kazakhstan?
Hell Yeah! We are going to Almaty, Kazakhstan! Turns out KZ is a beautiful country (check photos on travel sites). Almaty is right next to the Tien Shen Mountains. The school (building, website, staff, program) looks awesome. There is access to all of Central Asia and North and East Africa. The list goes on-like the house and car the school provides, the travel, bonuses, 100% insurance, housing expenses paid, and more.
So we are going to Kazakhstan! The letters of intent have been sent. We're in!
Monday, December 8, 2008
How can I fit?
How can I fit? This question has come up several times in our discussions. Much of my teaching experience has been with "struggling" students. I am certified in both Regular and Special Education and have had varied experience in both areas with all sorts of students. But, I seem to fall into positions which lead me away from the "over-achievers" and toward the "under-achievers." I have found myself questioning my ability to gain a position overseas. International programs have a reputation for rigorous and not exactly differentiated instruction. However, much to my relief, I've found an answer to my question and now know why I will fit.
Today I had a wonderful cyber conversation with Christina, a friend overseas. She is leaving her position this year. I asked her about her position, she was so generous to give me lots of information.
I have primarily worked with struggling students--It has been my experience that kids struggle for a variety of reasons. Nothing makes me prouder that to help an otherwise unsuccessful student find success. My concern has been how can I use this talent at a school where everyone is successful. Today my fears were diminished. I am so pleased Christina was willing to explain how individual differences are accommodated. Now more than ever do I want to be part of an international school.
The opportunity to work with eager, excited children in a contemporary setting would be glorious. Helping different learners to experience the opportunities an International School can offer, working with teachers who also want those different learners to find success that would be the ultimate teaching experience.
My years teaching have afforded me the opportunity to work with all age groups. Starting with Pre-School while still in college progressing up to Elementary/Middle school age for several years both in Texas and Louisiana, finally working with 9th grade students the last two years. I feel so fortunate to have such a wide range of experience which I feel that has equipped me to work with any child at any grade.
Ukraine here we come!
Kim
Today I had a wonderful cyber conversation with Christina, a friend overseas. She is leaving her position this year. I asked her about her position, she was so generous to give me lots of information.
I have primarily worked with struggling students--It has been my experience that kids struggle for a variety of reasons. Nothing makes me prouder that to help an otherwise unsuccessful student find success. My concern has been how can I use this talent at a school where everyone is successful. Today my fears were diminished. I am so pleased Christina was willing to explain how individual differences are accommodated. Now more than ever do I want to be part of an international school.
The opportunity to work with eager, excited children in a contemporary setting would be glorious. Helping different learners to experience the opportunities an International School can offer, working with teachers who also want those different learners to find success that would be the ultimate teaching experience.
My years teaching have afforded me the opportunity to work with all age groups. Starting with Pre-School while still in college progressing up to Elementary/Middle school age for several years both in Texas and Louisiana, finally working with 9th grade students the last two years. I feel so fortunate to have such a wide range of experience which I feel that has equipped me to work with any child at any grade.
Ukraine here we come!
Kim
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Why do we want to teach abroad?
Kim and I have talked about this at length. We are restless! We want to go somewhere, do something, experience! The kids want to see what they have studied and are tired of people who don't want to learn and do. We want them to know the world. They are smart! They might be in charge of it one day.
Two teachers with a family of five can't travel the world. But if we go and work there...?
We can teach anywhere. Why not somewhere else?
Why not Ukraine?
Why not Kiev?
Why not an Interational School?
On good recommendation (thanks Christine), we know it will work! We've explored every option. We've convinced the kids. We've mentally sold every piece of furniture and packed our bags. We've priced flights and checked the economy and government. We know more about Kiev than we do DFW!
Now, we just have to convince a school to hire us!
We know we will be an asset. We know our children will be an asset. What will convince them?
Two teachers with a family of five can't travel the world. But if we go and work there...?
We can teach anywhere. Why not somewhere else?
Why not Ukraine?
Why not Kiev?
Why not an Interational School?
On good recommendation (thanks Christine), we know it will work! We've explored every option. We've convinced the kids. We've mentally sold every piece of furniture and packed our bags. We've priced flights and checked the economy and government. We know more about Kiev than we do DFW!
Now, we just have to convince a school to hire us!
We know we will be an asset. We know our children will be an asset. What will convince them?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
